McCormick County Council votes to advance data center development in heated meeting
The McCormick County Council approved rezoning land for a data center project despite strong public opposition, while also rejecting a proposed nine-month moratorium on data centers. Residents expressed significant disapproval during a heated meeting and plan to launch a "No Data Center" campaign.
The McCormick County Council held a contentious meeting at the Mims Center where they made two significant decisions regarding data center development in McCormick County, South Carolina. The council voted 3-2 to approve the rezoning of several hundred acres along Whitetown Road and Highway 28, near McCormick and Plum Branch, from Forest Agriculture to Service/Industrial. This rezoning is intended to facilitate a data center project by Pollard Lumber Company.
In a related vote, the council also rejected a proposed nine-month moratorium on data centers, with the vote again split 3-2. Both decisions were met with strong disapproval from residents in attendance, who responded with boos, shouts, and other protests. Residents like Kim Guy and Zachary McCullough criticized the council for ignoring public sentiment, with McCullough warning of political consequences at the ballot box.
Councilman Charles Cook attempted to justify his vote in favor of rezoning by citing the county's need for additional revenue, but his explanation was interrupted by the angry crowd. Due to security concerns, council members required an escort from the McCormick County Sheriff's Office to exit the building. Residents have indicated plans to launch a "No Data Center" campaign in response to the council's decisions.